Improvement in closing gas-retorts



UNITED STATES gPiArEivr N ALEXANDER THOMSON, OE wOROEsrER, MAssAOnUsErrs.

IMPROVEMENT IN CLOSlNG GAS-RETORTS1 Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. lll, dated April 2l, 1874; application iiled January 1874.

To all 'whom it may concern Be it known that I, ALEXANDER TnOMsoN, of the city and county of Worcester and State Ot' Massachusetts, have invented certain new .and useful Improvements in Self-Sealing Retort-Lids; and I do hereby declare that the followin g is a full, clear, and exact description ofthe same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification, and in which- Figure l represents a front view ci' my improved self-sealing retort-lid. Fi 2 represents a plan view ofthe same. Fig. 3 represents a central vertical section at kline a; fr, Fig. 2. Fig.` 4. represents a side view of the latch. Fig. 5 represents a side view ofthe hinge.

This invention consists in a D-shaped retort-lid of improved construction, and in the arrangement of the mechanism for securing and adjusting it in position, whereby the lid is rendered self-sealing, and the operation of opening and closing the mouth of the retort greatly facilitated.

In the drawings, A denotes the mouthpiece of the retort, and B the bell, to which the stand-pipe is secured. These parts may be of ordinary construction. The face of the mouthpiece A is planed off smooth tosforml a iiat seat for the lid C, which is made in D shape to lit the mouth, and is provided with a groove, c. extending around its rim near the edge, and dividing its bearing surface into two viian ges, d d', which are planed off flat at their outer edges to iit closelyT against the planed face of the mouth-piece. The central portion Ot' the lid C is curved inward near the rim, as

at e, and is then arched or swelled outward at thc center, as at f, 'which form prevents the lid from warping by the action of the heat to which ihk-fis subjected, while it also gives strength to resist the pressure of the tightening-screw. The lid C is hinged at one side to the piece E, said hingepiece E being keyed to one ofthe ears F of the mouth-piece, and provided .with` a iiange, which passes by the outer end of the ear-piece F, said ilange having arranged through it a set-screw, 1),.for the purpose of adjusting thel hinge E so that the lid will swing squarely against its seat. This adjustment is assisted by inserting a thln wedge or blocking between the edge of the iiange and ear F, either attop or bottom, and when the screw is tightened the piece E is caused to rock over in the opposite direction, thus throwing the lid slightly up or down, as required. The portion of the piece E which passes through the ear F is made alittle loose in the Opening, to allow the slight movement required for adjustment. A cross-bar, G, is also hinged to the piece E at the same position as the lid, which bar is arranged across the outside of the lid, with its opposite end in position to latch onto the catch-piece H, the latter being keyed to the opposite ear F of the mouth, as indicated. I indicates the clamping or tightening screw passing through the central part of the cross-bar G, with its end resting against a `suitable boss on the lid C, and arranged for pressing the lid iirmly against the'face of the mouth-piece. K indicates a loop for retaining the cross-bar near the lid when the bar is unlatched. The end of the cross-bar Gr is inclined or beveled upward, as shown in Fig. 4, to enable it to readily pass over the end of the latch-piece when closing the lid. L indicates a boss and opening for the reception of a test-gage for ascertaining the pressure within the retort. Said opening is provided with a screw-plug or stopper, which can readilybe removed when the gage is to be applied. In the operation of my improved self-sealing lid, it simply requires to be closed against .the mouth, the cross-bar latched onto its catch H, and the screw I tightened. This presses the anges d d firmly to the planed face of the mouth, and securely seals the retort without the use of any luting material. In case any tar or pitch is forced past the inner Bange d, it becomes hardened in the groove c, and tends to seal the parts more closely.

Among the advantages incident to my invention, may be named the following: Its D shape obviates the necessity of contracting the mouth or changing it from the form ofthe retort, thus giving the greatest facility for charging. It requires no luting, and may be quickly opened and closed, and while operating with the greatest' convenience and facility, its parts are simple, and not subject to (lerangement. The lid can be applied to retorts now in use at slight expense.

I am aware that self-sealing retorts-lds of with its rim provided with a groove, @,and

circular form have heretofore been made and enges d d', and having its central part curved,

used, and, I do not herein make cleim,broad1y, and arched, as at e f, substantially as herein to e self-sealing lid; but set forth.

What I do claim as new and of my nven- ALEXANDER THOMSON. tion, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, Witnesses: s- Y CEAS. H. BURLEIGH,

A self-sealing retort-lid made in D shape, GEORGE S. LEE. 

